Little Switzerland Cycle Route (Road)

About

The epic 63-mile road cycling route, Little Switzerland begins in Winchester heads into the beautiful South Downs National Park and loops back to the city.  In east Hampshire near the village of Steep and the Ashford Hangers you will find “Little Switzerland” named after this mountainous country.  The likeness to Switzerland is due to the hanger, which is derived from “hangra” which means wooded slope.

The route starts from the cycle friendly Holiday Inn Winchester, on the out skirts of the city, a great base for cycling break.

Alternatively, if you are starting from the city centre, begin the ride from the imposing King Alfred the Great statue at the lower end of the High Street.  From here it will take you less than two minutes to join the route.  From the statue, head east along Bridge Street and then take the 2nd exit at the roundabout on to Chesil Street.  You will pass The Chesil Rectory an award winning restaurant occupying a 600 year old Grade II listed medieval house.  Then take the 2nd left onto East Hill - note The Black Rat Michelin starred restaurant here.  You have now joined the main route.

 

Highlights and points of interest of the Little Switzerland cycle route:

Avington Park

Early on in the ride you will find Avington Park will be perfectly framed by woodland as you cross a cattlegrid and enter the estate.  This stunning privately owned stately home and its surroundings provide one of Hampshire’s most famous vistas.  Take in the views of the house, lake and watch out for the highland cows too!

 

Cuppacheeno

To the rear of West Meon Village Shop you will find Cuppacheeno, a cycle friendly café.  There are plenty of bike racks, indoor and outdoor seating, and great coffee, cake and meals.  The village shop provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on any little extras for your ride.

 

East Meon

A few miles further along the Meon Valley you will arrive at pretty East Meon, home to a stunning Norman church and two great pubs - Ye Old George and Izaak Walton.

 

Little Switzerland

As you enter Little Switzerland there is a thrilling descent on smooth roads and corners through the trees of as you head towards Steep village.

 

Butser Hill

A short-sharp climb with gradients of 13% takes you to the top of one of the highest points in Hampshire and the whole of the South Downs National Park.  There are some great views from here and you may catch-sight of para-gliders and hang-gliders.

 

Hambledon - The Home of Cricket

Don’t miss the birthplace of modern cricket at Broadhalfpenny Down.  The Bat & Ball pub served as the clubhouse back in the 18th century for the famous Hambledon Cricket Club which established a number of rules for the game that remain to this day and even beat England and all-comers for many years.  The pub is filled with original cricket artifacts and memorabilia and serves great food and drink.

 

Old Winchester Hill

Take in the views of the Meon Valley from this wonderful vantage point.

 

Handlebar Café

Towards the end of your ride you will find yourself heading alongside the Itchen Navigation and a disused railway line.  If you are feeling weary here’s a cycling café and a small fix-it station with a selection of tools.

 

View route and download the GPX file by clicking on the website link above.